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Key Text Security System Reform and Governance: Policy and Good Practice

Author: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Date: 2004
Size: 55 pages (558 KB)

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Summary

How do you foster through governance reforms a secure environment that is conducive to poverty reduction and sustainable development? What are the key components of security? These are questions that are addressed in this publication by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The research suggests that the traditional concept of security is being redefined. The document sets out the key concepts of security system reform (SSR) and suggests ways to support it in developing countries.

Security from violence is fundamental to people’s livelihoods and to sustainable economic, social and political development. Security matters to the poor and other vulnerable groups, especially women and children. Conflict-affected countries account for a high proportion of those furthest from the Millennium Development Goals. OECD governments now realise that “the cost of neglect” – letting countries drift into deep difficulties or become failed states – is far too high for people, nations and international security. The overall objective of security system reform is to create a secure environment. This secure environment rests upon two essential pillars: (1) the ability of the state, through its development policy and programmes, to generate conditions that mitigate the vulnerabilities to which its people are exposed and (2) the ability of the state to use the range of policy instruments at its disposal to prevent or address security threats that affect society’s well-being.

The SSR policy agenda covers three inter-related challenges facing all states: (1) developing a clear institutional framework for the provision of security that integrates security and development policy and includes all relevant actors (2) strengthening the governance of the security institutions and (3) building capable and professional security forces that are accountable to civil authorities. The focus of security policy is broadening from an almost exclusive focus on state stability and regime security to include the well-being of their populations and human rights.

Security and development are increasingly seen as being inextricably linked, which opens the way to mainstreaming security as a public policy and a governance issue. In this context, it is clear that SSR needs to be:

People-centred, locally owned and based on democratic norms and human rights principles and the rule of law, seeking to provide freedom from fear.
Seen as a framework for addressing diverse security challenges facing states and their populations through more integrated development and security policies and through greater civilian involvement and oversight.
Founded on activities with multi-sectoral strategies, based upon a broad assessment of the range of security needs of the people and the state.
Developed by adhering to basic principles underlying public sector reform such as transparency and accountability.
Implemented through clear processes and policies that aim to enhance the institutional and human capacity needed for security policy to function effectively.

There is now greater public scrutiny of security policy. State institutions involved in providing security are being re-evaluated. For reforms to be successful, the following policy goals should be taken into account:

The promotion of peace and security as fundamental pillars of development and poverty reduction.
Whole-of-government approaches to SSR, which might entail necessary institutional changes.
The facilitation of partner country-owned and led reform efforts.

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Source: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2004, Security System Reform and Governance: Policy and Good Practice, Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Guidelines and Reference Document, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Paris
Author: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), http://www.oecd.org